Round Rock Express

Jason Castro (Photo courtesy of Ron W. Byrd)

With UT's baseball team failing to advance past last weekend's Super Regional at the Disch, it's time for Central Texas baseball fans to focus their full attention on the Round Rock Express. As with their parent club, the Houston Astros, the Express have struggled this season. They are currently cellar-dwelling in the Pacific Coast League's American South Division with a 29-37 win-loss record. It's no secret that the Astros minor-league system is one of the weakest (rumors of a Roy Oswalt trade for prospects – possibly to the Rangers! – would be a good start at rebuilding; good luck moving Lance Berkman or Carlos Lee), but there are certainly some shining stars on Round Rock's roster. Starter Josh Banks has won six of his last eight decisions, is eighth in the PCL with a 3.03 ERA, and leads the league in innings pitched. Banks is 6-1 at the Dell and will be pitching the Sunday, June 20, game against Omaha. Starting the home stand on Friday, June 18, will be left-hander Andy Van Hekken, who leads RR with 57 Ks in 76 innings pitched (allowing only 20 walks) while striking out nine Omaha batters on May 28, an Express season record. Highly touted catching prospect Jason Castro (.277, 3 HR, 23 RBIs in 53 games) recently had his 32-game on-base streak snapped and could be of use in Houston when he's finally ready, but the big news is centerfield Jason Bourgeois, who is fourth in the PCL with a .347 average, has 22 multiple-hit games, is tied for third in the league with 78 hits, and is fourth in the league with 17 stolen bases (but he's also currently day-to-day after tweaking a hammy). With Michael Bourn having a solid season for the 'Stros, this is one of the few positions that they don't need to fill, none the less expect to see Bourgeois playing at Minute Maid soon. Vs. Omaha: Fri.,-Mon., June 18-21, 7:05pm. Vs. Albuquerque: Tue.-Fri., June 22-25, 7:05pm. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $6-30. www.roundrockexpress.com.